By Agbo Amuche, Abakaliki
The Wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief (Mrs) Mary Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, has commissioned an ultra-modern market named Ahia Uzoamaka Nwifuru, constructed by the Coordinator of Afikpo North East Development Centre, Hon. Ibe Immaculate, at Nkpoghoro Community in Afikpo North Local Government Area.
The market, which consists of open stalls and lock-up shops, is part of grassroots development efforts championed by Hon. Immaculate, who also flagged off a robust youth empowerment initiative. Items distributed during the exercise included brand new motorcycles, grinding machines, hair dryers, bags of rice, and N100,000 cheques to beneficiaries.
Commending the efforts of the Development Centre Coordinator, Mrs. Nwifuru described the projects as unprecedented and urged other coordinators across the State to emulate such impactful leadership. She praised the support provided by the Afikpo North LGA Chairman, Hon. Timothy Nwachi, who she said had created a conducive environment for collaboration and unity regardless of political affiliations.
In his response, Hon. Nwachi appreciated Governor Nwifuru's people-centred governance and reaffirmed the unwavering support of Afikpo people for the administration.
Speaking earlier, Hon. Ibe Immaculate lauded the Governor’s wife for facilitating her appointment and pledged continued service to the people. She also announced that trading in the newly commissioned market would be free of charge to ease the burden on local traders.
As part of her outreach activities, Mrs. Nwifuru also commissioned a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow built for an indigent widow, Mrs. Christiana Nwankwo, at Ameka Community in Ezza South LGA by the BERWO Foundation. She said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to the “People’s Charter of Needs” philosophy championed by her husband, Governor Francis Nwifuru.
The State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Francis Ori, revealed that the bungalow is part of a larger BERWO project to build 26 such homes for widows — two in each of the State’s LGAs.
The First Lady later proceeded to the Women Development Centre in Abakaliki for the Divine Mandate Women Engagement Meeting, where she expressed gratitude for the women’s continued support of the current administration and donated bags of rice and cash to further encourage them.
The events reflect a multi-pronged approach to grassroots development, women and youth empowerment, and targeted support for vulnerable populations in Ebonyi State.
